Hallo Wereld • Maral Khajeh

'Let's talk more about peace and human rights. There is a great lack of leadership and vision on how we can contribute to peace in a concrete way. Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the threat of war and how we should prepare for it. War language, war rhetoric, creates fear and silences the conversation about peace. Human rights defenders around the world work for peace and freedom every day. Political leaders and NATO could really learn something from that,' says Maral of Shelter City passionately.

Shelter City, one of the initiatives of Justice & Peace, accommodates human rights activists such as lawyers, artists and journalists for a certain period in the Netherlands. Here they can relax, follow training in the field of digital and physical security and share experiences. Talks with a psychologist are also possible, so that they can get back to work in their country of origin with renewed energy. 'It is wonderful to see what three months of rest and recharging does to a person.'

Maral mentions the cartoonist and sculptor, who fights against corruption and oppression, as an example. He decided to specialize in bronze. When he left, he gave the Justice & Peace team a statue as a gift, which depicts the cooperation and solidarity of the Shelter City network. 'A valuable gift that now hangs on the wall in our office.'

'Let us be aware of what we have here and take care of it.'-

Maral Khajeh

First Shelter City of the Netherlands in The Hague

'In 2012, The Hague stuck its neck out by being the first city in the world to collaborate with Shelter City. There are now fourteen cities in the Netherlands, and thirteen cities abroad, that are participating,' Maral says proudly. When we talk about the NATO summit that will be held in The Hague in June, Maral continues: 'For many people, NATO stands for war. As a city of peace and justice, you can also turn it around — without wanting to make it 'fluffy' — by having nuanced conversations with each other and daring to ask questions: 'how can we ensure that we think and act based on hope and human rights?' What does it do to our city if you bring a NATO summit to the city? How can you, as a city of peace and justice, make your mark on such an important event? There are opportunities to let those important voices of human rights activists be heard at such a summit. Can the city play a role in this? And what does it mean for the people of The Hague? You cannot have such a major strategic conversation with global impact about peace and security without connecting with the people in the city itself.

Human Rights Hub

Maral has worked in South Sudan and Egypt, among other places, but now feels at home in The Hague. 'The Hague has so much to offer. It is of course the political capital, and at the same time it has the coziness of a large village. And it is a human rights hub, where many important international institutions have established themselves. The city has everything: from drinking coffee in the Zeeheldenkwartier to boxing in the Schilderswijk, and from beaches to protests. And I became a mother here. I sometimes think that our generation has failed. Because where is our Nelson Mandela? And what can I do myself? But when I see my 2,5-year-old daughter — she is such a boss — then I believe, everything will be fine in the end,' Maral says, laughing.